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Ralph Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP

Perkins + Will

"My experience at the University Of Illinois School Of Architecture was a critical formative event in my career as an architect and prepared me in many ways for my current position as Director of Design at a large and influential national design practice. What I received was a well-rounded education into all aspects of what is critical to the practice of architecture taught by a faculty of talented and committed professionals with both academic credentials and direct experience in the practice of architecture. This foundation of learning has served as a cornerstone for my career as an architect."

Ralph Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP

Global Design DirectorPerkins + WillChicago, IL

Perkins + WillPROFILE:Since 1935, Perkins+Will has created innovative and award-winning designs for the world’s most forward-thinking clients. We are architects, interior designers, urban designers, landscape architects, consultants, and branded environment experts who approach de­sign from all scales and perspectives. Engaged, accessible, and collabora­tive, our staff of 1,500 professionals brings together high design, functional performance, and social responsibility to advance project goals. Inspired by the programs within, we design from the inside-out. We combine a deeply humanistic approach with results-driven pragmatism to create dynamic spaces for people. Research-focused and inventive, every day we reimag­ine how space can be used to foster stronger ties between communities, the built environment, and nature. With nearly 1,000 LEED® Accredited Professionals, sustainable design and the use of healthy building materials are fundamental to our process. Our transformative designs help students learn better, patients heal faster, busi­ness teams perform stronger, and city dwellers have more meaningful daily experiences.

"In reviewing candidates for potential hire, I am often drawn to Illinois graduates. Because U of I is my alma mater, and because I have the utmost confidence in the quality of the school’s architecture program, I have recommended Illinois graduates for hire on several occasions. In my experience, Illinois graduates stand out through their creative portfolios of design examples, their attention to detail and their quality of documentation."